Based on the novel by Lee Dexter, the film follows a newspaper reporter (Efron) who has returned to his home town to investigate Van Wetter's (Cusack) case in a bid to prove he is innocent - but soon becomes involved with Kidman's character, who is writing to the convict.

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May and has attracted attention for its adult content and themes. It is currently on limited release in the US, and is out in the UK in March.